Leo constellation when. Constellation Leo: location and bright stars

The constellation Leo (Leo) is a zodiac constellation in the northern hemisphere of the sky, lying between Cancer and Virgo. With an area of ​​947 square degrees, it ranks 12th in size. Covers the second quadrant in the northern hemisphere (NQ2). Can be found in latitudes from +90° to -65°. Adjacent to Cancer, Coma Veronica, Chalice, Leo Minor, Sextant, Virgo, Lynx and Ursa Major. As a rule, the Sun is in the constellation from August 10 to September 15. Best conditions for observations in February and March. Visible throughout Russia.

Leo constellation symbol - ♌︎

On a clear and moonless night, about 70 stars can be seen with the naked eye in the constellation Leo, but these are mostly faint stars. The most bright stars Leo: Regulus is a bluish-white star of first magnitude and Denebola is of second magnitude. The arrangement of bright stars really resembles a reclining lion, whose head and chest represent the famous “Sickle” asterism, similar to a mirrored question mark. The constellation Leo has many interesting double stars, variable stars and galaxies, but they can only be observed with powerful telescopes. The star Regulus (α Leo) is of interest. It is approximately three times larger than the Sun and has a surface temperature of 14,000 K. Not far from the star ζ Leo is the radiant of the Leonid meteor shower, which is most active from November 15 to 19. The maximum of the shower is observed on November 17, when about 10 meteors are recorded per hour.

Myth about the constellation Leo

It is considered one of the oldest celestial constellations. Archaeological evidence proves that a constellation similar to Leo was found in Mesopotamia back in 4000 BC. The Persians called it Shir (Sher), the Babylonians - UR.GU.LA ("great lion"), the Syrians - Arya, and the Turks - Artan.

In Babylon they also knew about the star Regulus, about which they said: “the one that stands at the lion’s chest” or “the star of the king.” The constellation and brightest star have been noted in many cultures.

The Greeks saw him as the Nemean Lion, who was killed by Hercules. This story served as the first feat. Erastophenes and Hyginus wrote that the lion was placed in heaven because it is the king of beasts.

The mythical lion lived in a cave in Nemeya (southwest of Corinth). He was dangerous because he hunted people. No one managed to kill him, since the skin did not respond to any known weapon. Hercules tried to use arrows, but they bounced off. Then he drove him into a cave and strangled him. He used the beast's claws to remove the skin and then wore it as a cloak for protection.

In the sky you can see 6 bright stars in the shape of a sickle, displaying a lion's head. The brightest - Regulus marks the heart, Danebola - the end of the tail, Algieba - the neck (although the name translates as “forehead”), and Zosma - the rump.

IN Ancient Egypt When at night in March and April, high above the horizon, almost at the very zenith, the stars of the Leo constellation began to shine, a period of terrible heat began. Even the fertile Nile Valley dried up, the soil cracked due to the unbearable heat. At this time, at night one could hear the terrible roar of lions wandering through the desert in search of prey. Nobody dared to go there. The desert turned into a kingdom of lions. This was repeated from year to year, and therefore the ancient Egyptians named the part of the starry sky that they saw at that time after Leo. So the king of beasts, Leo, appeared in the starry sky.

According to legend, great kings were to be born under the sign of this constellation. Therefore, the brightest star in the constellation Leo was named Regulus (from the Latin rex - king).

Leo is a very remarkable and beautiful constellation that contains several bright stars. These are Alpha Leo - Regulus, Beta - Denebola and also Gamma - Algieba.

In addition, the constellation contains a remarkable asterism, the Sickle, which resembles this tool or a question mark.

On Leo's tail is Denebola, who is with Arcturus. Karl's heart and Spica form another asterism - the Necklace of the Virgin.

The legend associated with this constellation is the story of the very first labor of Hercules-Hercules. The same one known to most from the sculptural composition “Hercules Tearing the Lion’s Jaws”.

The lion terrorized the population of Mycenae and the surrounding area and lived in a cave with an “emergency” exit. In addition, he had an impenetrable skin, and it was impossible to reach him with arrows and spears.

Hercules blocked one of the entrances to the cave with stones, and when the lion leaned out of the second, he grabbed and killed it in such an exotic way. After which he took off his arrow-proof skin and presented it to the king of Mycenae Eurystheus as evidence.

To perpetuate this feat of Hercules, Zeus placed the constellation Leo in the sky.

Since the constellation is zodiacal, when observing it is worth keeping in mind that planets can pass through it, which can be accidentally mistaken for a star.

The constellation Leo is located in the Northern Hemisphere between Cancer and Virgo. The ancient Sumerians called this constellation Leo Major five thousand years ago. In ancient times, it was in Leo that the point was located summer solstice. During the period of dominance of this constellation on southern countries A terrible heat struck, the Nile dried up. Hungry lions wandered across the desert land of Egypt, looking for food. This constellation shines especially brightly at midnight in the first half of March. The ancients believed that when the constellation Leo lights up in the sky, great kings are born on earth. Perhaps that is why one of the most prominent stars of Leo is called Regulus, which is translated from Latin as king. The constellation Leo is surrounded by the constellations Virgo, Lynx, Cancer, Hydra, Leo Minor, Chalice.

Perhaps the constellation Leo is a reminder of one of the 12 labors of Hercules. Thus, there is a legend about how King Eurystheus, frightened by the unearthly strength and power of Hercules, wanted to get rid of the athlete who had come to his service and ordered him to fight a dangerous man-eating lion, thinking that Hercules would die in a fight with the monster. The lion hunted near the town of Nemea, attacking people and devouring them. The killer lion was, like the hydra, the child of Typhon and Echidna; not a single arrow could pierce his skin. But Hercules did not need weapons; he strangled the beast with his bare hands, and sewed a cloak for himself from the skin of the defeated enemy. In memory of this feat, Zeus placed Leo in the sky, making it a constellation.

Once upon a time, King Lycaon ruled in Arcadia. And he had a daughter, Callisto, known throughout the world for her charm and beauty. Even the ruler of Heaven and Earth, the thunderer Zeus, admired her divinity. Secretly from his jealous wife - the great goddess Hera - Zeus constantly visited Callisto in her father's palace. From him she gave birth to a son, Arkad, who grew up quickly. Slender and handsome, he deftly shot a bow and often went hunting in the forest.

Hera learned about the love of Zeus and Callisto. Flowing into a rage, she turned Callisto into an ugly bear. When Arkad returned from hunting in the evening, he saw a bear in the house. Not knowing it's his birth mother, he pulled the bow string. But Zeus did not allow Arkad, albeit unwittingly, to commit such a serious crime. Even before Arkad fired the arrow, Zeus grabbed the bear by the tail and quickly soared with her into the sky, where he left her in the form of the constellation Ursa Major. But while Zeus was carrying the bear, her tail began to lengthen, which is why the Big Dipper has such a long and curved tail in the sky.

Knowing how much Callisto was attached to her maid, Zeus took her to heaven and left her there in the form of a small but beautiful constellation Ursa Minor. Zeus and Arcade moved to the sky and turned them into the constellation Bootes.

Bootes is forever doomed to take care of his mother, the Big Dipper. Therefore, he firmly holds the leashes of the Hounds, who bristle with rage and are ready to pounce on the Big Dipper and tear it apart.

The winged horse Pegasus has become a symbol of poetic creative inspiration. Every spring and summer on the slopes of the overgrown dense forests Helikon, where the sacred waters of Hippocrene mysteriously murmur, on high Parnassus near the crystal clean waters The god Apollo of the Castalian key leads the dances of the nine muses. The beautiful and eternally young muses, daughters of Zeus and the goddess of memory Mnemosyne, were Apollo's constant companions. He accompanied their songs on his golden lyre, and the mountains swayed from these songs. Mount Helicon also began to shake, but the god Poseidon ordered it to be calmed immediately. And with one blow of his hoof, Pegasus stopped the rocking of Mount Helicon. At the place where Pegasus struck with his hoof, the source of Hippocrene broke through - the source of the muses - the inspirers and patroness of poetry, arts and science. The muses sang and danced on the top of Parnassus, at the foot of which was the magical Castalian key. To those who had the good fortune to drink water from this spring, the muses gave poetic inspiration and creative powers that did not leave the person throughout his life. But it was possible to get to this source only with the help of the winged horse Pegasus, since the magic key was located high on Parnassus. Thus, the expression to ride Pegasus has become a symbol of creative strength and inspiration.

Sources: astrogalactica.ru, moj-znak-zodiaka.ru, www.astrologic-cafe.ru, www.dag-style.com, astronomy.sxn.today

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But as it is not difficult to guess, if there is a Small one, then there must also be a Big one, or simply a lion. It is precisely about the constellation Leo that the further story will go. It is located just south of Leo Minor, and by the contours of the bright stars you can easily recognize the constellation in the night starry sky.

Legend and history

a lion- one of the 13 zodiac constellations. The name was given in honor of the lion that Hercules had to kill in one of the 12 labors. Many historians admit that the constellation received its name much earlier than from Greek myth. For example, in Ancient Mesopotamia the constellation was called " Big dog" Included in the catalog starry sky Claudius Ptolemy's Almagest. For a long time Russian sources were “silent” about this constellation. Only in the 11th century in the manuscript “13 Words of Gregory the Theologian in the Old Slavic Translation” the constellation was mentioned.

Characteristics

The most interesting objects to observe in the constellation Leo

1. Spiral Galaxy M 65 (NGC 3623)

Spiral galaxy M 65- one of Leo triplet(Also M 66 And NGC 3628). As a rule, this trio of galaxies cannot be separated even when observed through a telescope. Often in astronomical sources you will come across exactly the name “Leo Triplet”. The entire system of galaxies is 35 million light years away from us.

M 65 has a magnitude of 9.3 m, a surface brightness of 12.7 m and angular apparent dimensions of 9.8′ × 2.9′. A very oblate and elongated galaxy. With a telescope with an aperture of up to 200 millimeters, you will be able to notice the concentrated bright core and the shape of the galaxy as a whole. In order to distinguish the spirals of the galaxy, you will need a telescope with a primary mirror diameter of 300+ millimeters.

In the telescope finder we find the bright (3.3 m) star Sheratan ( Θ Leo) and move a little lower:

Leo triplet: NGC 3628 (top), M 66 (left) and M 65 (right)

2. Spiral Galaxy M 66 (NGC 3627)

Large galaxy M 66, belonging to the spiral type, is distant from us at a distance of 35 million light years. Its diameter is 100 thousand light years. The apparent dimensions are 9.1′ × 4.1′, with a magnitude of 8.9 m and a surface brightness of 12.7 m. Despite the spirality of the galaxy, M 66 included in the atlas of peculiar galaxies. The galaxy has such an elongated and slightly flattened shape due to gravitational interaction with close neighbors in the cluster. In this cluster it is geographically located to the south of other galaxies.

IN M 66 were observed in 1973, 1989 and 1997.

3. Spiral Galaxy NGC 3628

The faintest, but at the same time the most beautiful galaxy NGC 3628 in the Leo Triplet cluster, it measures 13.1′ × 3.1′, has an apparent magnitude of 9.6 m and a surface brightness of 13.5 m. To discern the dark streak of dust “passing” through the galaxy, you will need a telescope with an aperture of 200 millimeters or more. The galaxy is visible edge-on and with careful detailed study it will be possible to discern deformation of the sleeves. This occurs due to the mutual gravitation of the three galaxies.

4. Spiral Galaxy M 95 (NGC 3351)

In 1781 the galaxy M 95 was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Mechain, and four days later included in his catalog by Charles Messier. Despite the convenient rotation of the deep relative to an observer from Earth, the angular dimensions of the galaxy are only 7.4′ × 5.0′, the apparent magnitude is slightly below 10 (9.8 m to be precise) and is distant from us at a distance of about 40 million light years. Along with at least three other deep-sky objects, M 95 is part of the local group of galaxies.

In 2012 in M 95 discovered a supernova SN 2012aw.

Below is a star map. The search should start with the brightest star in the constellation Regulus ( αLeo) and move towards an also bright star (3.8 m) ρ Leo, and then straight to the galaxies M 95, M 96 and others.

Search for galaxies M 95, M 96 and others, starting from the star Regulus

5. Spiral Galaxy M 96 (NGC 3368)

Like the previous galaxy ( M 95) M 96 was discovered by Pierre Mechain in 1781. It is noteworthy that it is one of the first discovered spiral galaxies, and also the brightest in the local Leo I group. It has a brightness of 9.2 m and angular dimensions of 7.8′ × 5.2′. The distance to the galaxy ranges from 30 to 40 million light years. It was determined using variable stars.

In 1998 it was opened supernova SN1998bu.

6. Elliptical Galaxy M 105 (NGC 3379)

M 105 (left), NGC 3384 (bottom) and NGC 3389 (right)

M 105- elliptical galaxy type E1. The Hubble orbital telescope discovered a giant object with a mass of about 50 million solar masses in the center of the galaxy. Supposedly it's huge black hole. The brightness of the galaxy is 9.3 m, visible dimensions are 5.3′ × 4.8′.

On a clear night, a 10-inch telescope can make out all three galaxies in the same field of view of the eyepiece.

By the way, this galaxy was also not discovered by Messier and it was not even included in the second edition of his catalog. Only in 1947, American astronomer Helen Hogg, after studying letters and notes, included the galaxy in the Messier catalog.

7. Elliptical Galaxy NGC 3384 (NGC 3371)

In the previous image, the bottom of the three galaxies is an elliptical galaxy NGC 3384. In the New General Catalog (NGC) it is recorded under two serial numbers: the second - 3371 . The visible angular dimensions are 5.4′ × 2.7′ and the brightness is 9.9 m. More flattened and turned in spirals towards the observer.

Third galaxy ( NGC 3389) in the catalog is located under two numbers: the second - 3373 . It has an apparent magnitude close to 12 and is not considered in detail within the framework of this review. Visible as a cloudy small oval speck in telescopes with an aperture of 250 millimeters or more.

8. Elliptical Galaxy NGC 3377

Another small, but with a rich core elliptical galaxy in the constellation Leo - NGC 3377. In the Hubble sequence it is of type E5, that is, it has a highly flattened shape at the poles. The visible angular dimensions are 5.0′ × 3.0′ and the brightness is 10.2 m.

In the photo on background Several more galaxies are noticeable, but their brightness decreases to 15 - 16 magnitude and is completely invisible even in powerful professional telescopes.

Galaxies NGC 3377, 3412 and NGC 3489

As you can see, three more elliptical galaxies are located above the previous group and, if the sky is clear, it is recommended to start the search from the star κLeo, which has a brightness of 5.45 m.

9. Lenticular Galaxy NGC 3412

If you remember, (SB0) is a type of spiral galaxy in which the branches are very poorly defined and have a bright, saturated core. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a normal photo on the Internet. Visible angular dimensions NGC 3412- 3.7′ × 2.2′, and brightness - 10.4 m (in some places reduced to 10.9 m).

10. Lenticular galaxy NGC 3489

And another spiral galaxy of type SB0 NGC 3489 deviated slightly from the group of previous galaxies and is not connected with them by any gravitational forces. This is a single deep-sky object, the search for which can be started from different reference stars. Or from a star κLeo, which I wrote about earlier, or start on the other side of the brighter star Sheratan ( Θ Leo), whose magnitude is 3.5 m.

The galaxy has small apparent dimensions (3.6′ × 2.2′), is flattened towards the equator and has a brightness of 10.2 m. It becomes accessible for observation in 8 - 10 inch telescopes.

11. Spiral Galaxy NGC 2903

In the head of Leo, not far from the star Alterf ( λLeo) hidden amazing spiral galaxy NGC 2903. The galaxy is notable for the fact that at the edges of the “arms” active star formation is in full swing. Scientists managed to isolate one of the star formation regions, which is located at the northern end of the bridge, and add it to the catalog under the serial number NGC 2305. The apparent magnitude (8.8 m) allows you to notice the deep sky object even in an amateur semi-professional 150 mm telescope. By the way, some details of the branches and the heterogeneity of the galactic core can be discerned already in a telescope with a main mirror diameter of 250 millimeters. The apparent dimensions of the galaxy are 12.6′ × 6.0′ - so it seems to “stand on its feet,” that is, it is elongated vertically relative to the observer.

It is located at a distance of just over 30 million light years from us and has been studied quite well by astronomers using the Hubble telescope. But we can find it by plotting a route from the star Algenubi ( ε Leo) and turning the telescope tube towards the star Alterf, and then a little lower.

12. Pair of galaxies NGC 3226 and NGC 3227

The Hubble Telescope captured a fantastic image of a pair of interacting galaxies. Interestingly, NGC 3226 is an elliptical galaxy (E2), while NGC 3227 is a barred spiral galaxy. The latter is more massive and, with time, will completely absorb its neighbor and form a new large galaxy. Only this will happen in hundreds of millions of years. The total brightness of the galaxies is close to magnitude 11, and in addition to a powerful telescope, you will need a clear moonless night and the ability to distinguish barely noticeable dark-light irregularities against the background of space.

On one of the Canadian astronomical forums I found a real photograph of galaxies using a 400 mm telescope. I present to your attention:

The program, for a reason unknown to me, does not indicate a pair of galaxies at all, although the route for searching for them is trivial: from Algieba (γ Leo) and counterclockwise.

13. Elliptical galaxy NGC 3640

A very small (4.0′ × 3.2′) and faint (apparent magnitude 10.3 m) elliptical galaxy NGC 3640 hid in the southern part of the constellation among several stars of 6-8 magnitude. Nearest bright star τ Leo(4.95 m). If you can spot it in the finder, it will be an excellent start on the path to the desired galaxy. The location is marked with red arrows below:

Fantastically attractive barred spiral galaxy NGC 3521, same as the previous one NGC 3640 located in the south of the constellation Leo. On the star map, I marked a short route from the star with green landmarks. ρ 2 Leo.

The apparent magnitude is 9.2m, and the angular dimensions are 11.2′ × 5.4′. Due to its large size it has a low surface brightness (13.5 m). However, you can find the galaxy and even notice some dark-light irregularities with a 150-mm telescope.

Compared to other images of galaxies, the image NGC 3521 Many times superior in detail and quality. In 2015, the Hubble Space Telescope updated the previous image, dated 2011, and the following image can now be found in astronomical sources:

Spiral galaxy NGC 3521 (Hubble telescope, 2015)

NGC 3607 (center), to the right is NGC 3605, and to the left is NGC 3608

Triplet of elliptical galaxies NGC 3605, 3607 , 3608 is not gravitationally bound in any way. Only optically it seems that they are nearby and experience mutual attraction. In fact, only one of the three has a brightness below magnitude 11 (10.0 m), the rest, even “at the glitch level,” will be extremely difficult to notice. By the way, there is another galaxy nearby - a spiral galaxy NGC 3626 or in C 40, but its brightness also exceeds 11 m.

Below on the map, I marked with colored arrows both the location of the galaxy and possible routes for searching for it.

16. Spiral Galaxy NGC 3810

The spiral galaxy (Sc) closes the list of bright deep-sky objects in the constellation Leo. Despite good quality image taken by the Hubble telescope, the galaxy has a small size (4.3′ × 3.0′) and a brightness just below magnitude 11 (10.8 m, and now reduced to 11.98 m). In a 250mm telescope it looks like a faint hazy speck without any distinctive features or details. To distinguish among dim stars, you have to rotate the sharpness knob and by “smearing” the image, the galaxy somehow reveals its appearance.

Geographically located near the constellation Virgo, I recommend starting your search with a bright star Denebola (βLeo). By the way, if you continue to follow the route and move a little clockwise, then 3 stars of the sixth magnitude will appear in the field of view of the eyepiece, shaped like an equilateral triangle.

17. Double star Algieb (γ Leo)

γ Leo- a double star with a total brightness of 2.01 m consists of a red and yellow giant. The angular distance between the components is 4.4″. To separate a star into its components, you will need a telescope with an aperture of 150 mm or more and maximum magnification.

Most constellations are nothing like what their names indicate. In the constellation Pegasus, for example, it is difficult to recognize the legendary winged horse, and in the constellation Lynx - a forest predator.

Another thing is Leo. You just need a little imagination to find and recognize the king of beasts in the pattern of its brightest stars. The figure of this constellation is so simple and expressive that it is instantly remembered. Therefore, Leo is often used to search for neighboring constellations, which are not nearly as expressive.

But how to find the constellation Leo in the starry sky?

First let's agree When we will look for him. Let's look in the evening, because it is easier to do it in the evening than at night or early in the morning (at night we usually already sleep, and in the morning we rush to study or work).

In the evenings, the constellation Leo can be observed starting in February. At this time, Leo rises in the east just after dusk, and is observed in the southeast late in the evening.

On February evenings, the constellation Leo rises late in the evening in the east. Pattern: Stellarium

A special sign by which you can immediately distinguish Leo from other constellations is large trapezoid of four stars. In size it is almost equal to the Big Dipper, and the brightness of the stars of these two celestial figures is quite comparable. The brightest star of the Leo Trapezium is in its lower right corner. This Regulus, main star constellations and the twentieth brightest star in the entire night sky.

You don’t need any special landmarks to find the trapezoid - it will immediately catch your eye, you just have to look in the right direction! As I already said, in February the trapezoid is visible in the evenings in the east and southeast, but - pay attention! - in an inclined position.

The constellation Leo is in the southeast in the evening sky in March. Pattern: Stellarium

The most convenient time to observe the constellation Leo is spring, especially its first half. In March, with the onset of twilight, the constellation Leo appears in the southeast, being quite high in the sky - halfway between the horizon and the zenith.

Even higher, the constellation Leo is observed on April evenings. At this time, it is observed in the south and is the rightful master of the spring sky, since the constellations surrounding it are very dim. Only two stars - Arcturus and Spica - are brighter in the spring sky than Regulus. But the constellations of these stars - Bootes and Virgo - are rather indistinct. Leo's trapezium is visible in April horizontal position, so finding it in the sky is quite easy.

By the way, if you still doubt that you can independently detect the constellation Leo in the sky, keep a guideline: Leo is located under the bucket of the Big Dipper! Keeping this in mind, you will quickly find the constellation Leo at any time of the day or year, as long as it is above the horizon at that moment.

In spring, the Big Dipper is almost at the zenith, and the constellation Leo is below it in the southern sky. Pattern: Stellarium

It gets dark late in May; The constellation Leo appears in the southwest in the evenings and spends only a few hours in the sky before setting below the horizon.

And here you can ask: why was the constellation Leo named after the king of beasts, and not just Trapezium?

When you find the constellation Leo in the sky, take a closer look at it. Above the right edge of the trapezoid, you will probably notice three more stars, which, together with Regulus and the star of Algieb (top right in the trapezoid), form a figure similar to a question mark looking in the other direction. This design has long been popularly called the Sickle for its resemblance to an ancient peasant tool.

Asterism Leo's Sickle. The handle of the sickle is marked by Regulus, and the stars Algieba, Adhafera, Rasalas and epsilon Leo mark the sickle itself. On old maps here the front legs, chest and head of a lying predator were depicted. Pattern: Stellarium

But in this figure you can also see the chest and head of the Lion! It seems that the predator is lying with its head raised and looking somewhere into the distance to the west.

By the way, on a dark and transparent night you can see in the sky lion tail. But we’ll talk about this star pattern later.

Post Views: 6,215

Pleshakov developed good idea- create an atlas for children that will make it easy to identify stars and constellations. Our teachers picked up this idea and created their own atlas-identifier, which is even more informative and visual.

What are constellations?

If you look up into the sky on a clear night, you can see many sparkling lights of different sizes, like a scattering of diamonds, decorating the sky. These lights are called stars. Some of them seem to be collected in clusters and, upon prolonged examination, they can be divided into certain groups. Man called such groups “constellations.” Some of them may resemble the shape of a ladle or the intricate outlines of animals, however, in many respects this is just a figment of the imagination.

For many centuries, astronomers tried to study such clusters of stars and gave them mystical properties. People tried to systematize them and find general pattern, and that’s how the constellations appeared. For a long time, constellations were carefully studied, some were divided into smaller ones, and they ceased to exist, and some, after clarification, were simply adjusted. For example, the constellation Argo was divided into smaller constellations: Compass, Carina, Parus, Poop.

The history of the origin of the names of the constellations is also very interesting. To make it easier to memorize, they were given names united by one element or literary work. For example, it was noticed that during heavy rains The sun rises from the direction of certain constellations, which were given the following names: Capricorn, Whale, Aquarius, the constellation Pisces.

In order to bring all constellations to a certain classification, in 1930, at a meeting of the International Astronomical Union, it was decided to officially register 88 constellations. According to the decision taken constellations do not consist of groups of stars, but are sections of the starry sky.

What are the constellations?

Constellations vary in the number and brightness of the stars that make up them. The 30 most noticeable groups of stars are identified. The largest constellation in terms of area is considered Big Dipper. It consists of 7 bright and 118 stars visible to the naked eye.

The smallest constellation located in southern hemisphere, called the Southern Cross and it is impossible to see it with the naked eye. It consists of 5 bright and 25 less visible stars.

Lesser Horse is the smallest constellation in the northern hemisphere and consists of 10 faint stars that can be seen with the naked eye.

The most beautiful and brightest constellation is Orion. It consists of 120 stars visible to the naked eye, and 7 of them are very bright.

All constellations are conventionally divided into those located in the southern or northern hemisphere. Those who live in the southern hemisphere of the Earth cannot see star clusters located in the northern hemisphere and vice versa. Of the 88 constellations, 48 ​​are in the southern hemisphere, and 31 are in the northern hemisphere. The remaining 9 groups of stars are located in both hemispheres. The Northern Hemisphere is easily identified by the North Star, which always shines very brightly in the sky. She is the extreme star on the handle of the Ursa Minor dipper.

Due to the fact that the Earth rotates around the Sun, which prevents some constellations from being seen, the seasons change and the position of this star in the sky changes. For example, in winter the location of our planet in its circumsolar orbit is opposite to that in summer. Therefore, at each time of the year you can only see certain constellations. For example, in summer period In the night sky you can see a triangle formed by the stars Altair, Vega and Deneb. IN winter time There is an opportunity to admire the infinitely beautiful constellation Orion. That’s why they sometimes say: autumn constellations, winter, summer or spring constellations.

Constellations are best visible in the summer and it is advisable to observe them in open space, outside the city. Some stars can be seen with the naked eye, while others may require a telescope. The constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, as well as Cassiopeia, are best visible. In autumn and winter, the constellations Taurus and Orion are clearly visible.

Bright constellations that are visible in Russia

The most beautiful constellations of the northern hemisphere visible in Russia include: Orion, Ursa Major, Taurus, Canis Major, Canis Minor.

If you look closely at their location and give free rein to your imagination, you can see a hunting scene, which, like an ancient fresco, has been depicted in the sky for more than two thousand years. The brave hunter Orion is always depicted surrounded by animals. Taurus runs to his right, and the hunter swings his club at him. At Orion's feet are the faithful Canis Major and Canis Minor.

Constellation Orion

This is the largest and most colorful constellation. It is clearly visible in autumn and winter. Orion can be seen over the entire territory of Russia. The arrangement of its stars resembles the outline of a person.

The history of the formation of this constellation originates from ancient Greek myths. According to them, Orion was a brave and strong hunter, the son of Poseidon and the nymph Emvriala. He often hunted with Artemis, but one day, for defeating her during a hunt, he was struck by the goddess’s arrow and died. After death, he was turned into a constellation.

Orion's brightest star is Rigel. She is 25 thousand times brighter than the sun and 33 times its size. This star has a bluish-white glow and is considered supergiant. However, despite such impressive dimensions, it is significantly smaller than Betelgeuse.

Betelgeuse adorns Orion's right shoulder. It is 450 times larger than the diameter of the Sun and if we put it in the place of our star, then this star will take the place of four planets before Mars. Betelgeuse shines 14,000 times brighter than the Sun.

The constellation Orion also includes nebulae and asterisms.

Constellation Taurus

Another big and unimaginable beautiful constellation Northern Hemisphere is Taurus. It is located northwest of Orion and is located between the constellations Aries and Gemini. Not far from Taurus there are such constellations as: Auriga, Cetus, Perseus, Eridanus.

This constellation in mid-latitudes can be observed throughout almost the entire year, with the exception of the second half of spring and early summer.

The history of the constellation dates back to ancient myths. They talk about Zeus turning into a calf in order to kidnap the goddess Europa and bring her to the island of Crete. This constellation was first described by Eudoxus, a mathematician who lived long before our era.

The brightest star not only of this constellation, but also of the other 12 groups of stars is Aldebaran. It is located on the head of Taurus and was previously called the “eye”. Aldebaran is 38 times the diameter of the Sun and 150 times brighter. This star is located 62 light years away from us.

The second brightest star in the constellation is Nat or El-Nat (the horns of the bull). It is located near Auriga. It is 700 times brighter than the Sun and 4.5 times larger.

Within the constellation there are two incredibly beautiful open clusters of stars, the Hyades and the Pleiades.

The age of the Hyades is 650 million years. They can be easily found in the starry sky thanks to Aldebaran, which is clearly visible among them. They include about 200 stars.

The Pleiades got its name from its nine parts. Seven of them are named after the seven sisters Ancient Greece(Pleiades), and two more - in honor of their parents. The Pleiades are very visible in winter. They include about 1000 stellar bodies.

An equally interesting formation in the constellation Taurus is the Crab Nebula. It was formed after a supernova explosion in 1054 and was discovered in 1731. The distance of the nebula from the Earth is 6500 light years, and its diameter is about 11 light years. years.

This constellation belongs to the Orion family and borders the constellations Orion, Unicorn, Canis Minor, and Hare.

The constellation Canis Major was first discovered by Ptolemy in the second century.

There is a myth according to which the Great Dog used to be Lelap. It was a very fast dog that could catch up with any prey. One day he chased a fox, which was not inferior to him in speed. The outcome of the race was a foregone conclusion, and Zeus turned both animals to stone. He placed the dog in heaven.

Constellation Big Dog very visible in winter. The brightest star not only of this, but also of all other constellations is Sirius. It has a bluish luster and is located quite close to Earth, at a distance of 8.6 light years. According to the brightness in our solar system it is surpassed by Jupiter, Venus, and the Moon. Light from Sirius takes 9 years to reach Earth and is 24 times stronger than the sun. This star has a satellite called "Puppy".

The formation of such a concept as “Holidays” is associated with Sirius. The fact is that this star appeared in the sky during the period summer heat. Since Sirius is translated from Greek as “canis,” the Greeks began to call this period vacation.

Constellation Canis Minor

Canis Minor borders on such constellations as: Unicorn, Hydra, Cancer, Gemini. This constellation represents an animal that, together with Big Dog follows the hunter Orion.

The history of the formation of this constellation, if we rely on myths, is very interesting. According to them, Canis Minor is Mera, the dog of Icaria. This man was taught how to make wine by Dionysus and the drink turned out to be very strong. One day his guests decided that Ikaria had decided to poison them and killed him. The mayor was very sad for his owner and soon died. Zeus placed it in the form of a constellation in the starry sky.

This constellation is best observed in January and February.

The brightest stars in this constellation are Porcyon and Gomeisa. Porcyon is located 11.4 light years from Earth. It is somewhat brighter and hotter than the Sun, but physically differs little from it.

Gomeiza is visible to the naked eye and glows with a blue-white light.

Constellation Ursa Major

Ursa Major, shaped like a ladle, is one of the three largest constellations. It is mentioned in the writings of Homer and in the Bible. This constellation is very well studied and has great importance in many religions.

It borders with such constellations as: Waterfall, Leo, Canes Venatici, Dragon, Lynx.

According to ancient Greek myths, the Big Dipper is associated with Callisto, a beautiful nymph and lover of Zeus. His wife Hera turned Callisto into a bear as punishment. One day, this bear came across Hera and her son, Arcas, with Zeus in the forest. To avoid tragedy, Zeus turned his son and nymph into constellations.

The big ladle is formed by seven stars. The most striking of them are three: Dubhe, Alkaid, Aliot.

Dubhe is a red giant and points to the North Star. It is located 120 light years from Earth.

Alkaid, the third brightest star in the constellation, expresses the end of the tail of Ursa Major. It is located 100 light years away from Earth.

Alioth is the brightest star in the constellation. She represents the tail. Because of its brightness, it is used in navigation. Alioth shines 108 times brighter than the Sun.

These constellations are the brightest and most beautiful in the northern hemisphere. They can be perfectly seen with the naked eye on an autumn or frosty winter night. The legends of their formation allow your imagination to run wild and imagine how the mighty hunter Orion, together with his faithful dogs runs after the prey, and Taurus and Ursa Major watch him carefully.

Russia is located in the northern hemisphere, and in this part of the sky we are able to see only a few of all the constellations existing in the sky. Depending on the time of year, only their position in the sky changes.